​Most people don’t realize the crucial difference between preventing tooth decay and oral disease versus treating it after it has already caused damage. Prevention isn’t just the better choice—it’s the only choice that truly benefits you, your family, and your wallet.

Prevention Is:
✅ Less painful
✅ Less costly
✅ Less time-consuming
✅ Less complicated
✅ Able to help more patients
✅ Effective at reducing infections
✅ Essential for improving both oral and general health
✅ The key to long-term well-being
✅ Something that begins even before birth
✅ A strategy that protects the entire family

The Reality of Treatment vs. Prevention
Let me share a personal experience that mirrors what every pediatric dentist sees daily.
On a typical day in the hospital operating room, I treat four young patients, each just four years old. Every child has an average of 10 decayed teeth, requiring complex, extensive, and often distressing treatment. That’s 40 decayed teeth treated in just one day!
Compare that to a typical day in my office, where I focus on prevention. Instead of treating four children, I can provide preventive care for 50 to 60 patients—offering guidance, minor treatments, and simple preventive measures that keep their teeth healthy.
The bottom line? The total cost of care is the same, but preventive care costs 12 to 15 times lower than treatment. And the benefits? Far greater. Parents have peace of mind, children experience little to no pain, and families save significant money over time.

Prevention Saves Money, Your Teeth,—And Your Smile
Better oral health starts at home. You don’t need expensive treatments or painful procedures to protect your family’s teeth. Simply following these steps can prevent tooth decay:
✔ Brush twice daily, especially before bed
✔ Use Dr. Branam’s Xylitol Toothpaste—clinically tested and proven to be three times more effective than standard fluoride toothpaste
✔ Visit the dentist at least once a year for regular checkups.

The Best Toothpaste for True Prevention
The only toothpaste that has been clinically tested and proven to outperform mainstream fluoride toothpaste significantly is Dr. Branam’s Xylitol Toothpaste. Its unique formula, with at least 30% xylitol, makes it safe to swallow and most effective when NOT spit out—ensuring maximum protection against cavities.

•  Visit www.drbranamsxylitol.com
•  Read the clinical study
•  Watch the video and see the truth for yourself

Let’s work together to create a healthier, happier future—starting with prevention.
For Better Dental Health,
Dr. Steve Branam

​It is so important and a responsibility give your child a positive first experience in the dental office.  Parents are a key part of this introduction to dentistry.  Parents are the guide to virtually all of life's experiences ESPECIALLY before 5 years of age.  Infants,  toddlers,  and young children feel and see your unspoken emotions and anxieties.  

Tell and show them that "going to the dentist"  is easy and may be an experience to "look forward to."  Share your own positive experiences in the dental office.  I you have had any unpleasant experiences, for your child's sake, keep them to yourself. There is NO BENEFIT to your child if you share them.  The majority of unpleasant dental experiences occur when the patient needs extensive and complicated treatment.  Therefore, the best way to avoid bad dental experiences is to take your child to a PEDIATRIC DENTIST at an early age before any tooth decay is present.

Schedule your child's first dental appointment on their first birthday or no later than 18 months of age.  Infants and toddlers are easy to control,  the time in the dental chair is short, toothbrushing or polishing is very quick, and they usually get a "prize" at the end. Tell your child this is what usual happens.  REMEMBER, that this is all about helping your child; not about sharing the possible negative dental experiences you or your family may have experienced. You are the primary role model for your child and they will follow your advice and your direction.  Positive comments set the stage for a positive experience.

I will share this valuable advice.  My experiences and social research indicate that the most difficult time to introduce your child to a dental office is 3 years of age.  These toddlers are going through a dependent stage in their lives and are very "worldly."  They have heard negative conversations, either intentional or unintentional,  about negative dental experiences from relatives,  siblings, or from parents.   

In  summary,  1)start brushing your child's teeth when the first tooth comes into the mouth.  2) Brush your own teeth and your child's teeth before going to bed with DrBranamsXylitoltoothpasteandgel, 3) minimize baby bottle and sippy cup usage, 4) take your child to a PEDIATRIC DENTIST on their FIRST BIRTHDAY. 

Yours for a better dental experience 
Dr Steve Branam 

The need for oral care products and toothpastes that are SAFE TO SWALLOW is more important every day. The projections show that by the end of 2025, about 50% of all children in America will be somewhere on the AUTISM SPECTRUM.  In addition, the number of special needs children and adults is also increasing significantly.  Many of these people also have oral sensory conditions and cannot or will not "spit out" toothpaste and gels.  This is very important. 

Mainstream toothpaste and oral care products require that a user is to SPIT OUT and NOT SWALLOW them. Many toothpastes have labels on the BACK of the container or tube that recommends a user to see a physician or health care provider immediately if a moderate or significant amount of the product is swallowed. This recommendation is to prevent any toxic or unfavorable affects on the human body.  There are also studies performed revealing the hazardous effects of fluoride and other minerals on the gut and digestive systems of people with Autism. There are also children and adults who are non-ambulatory or bedridden and are not able to get to a sink to spit out toothpaste or tooth gels.

Patients, caregivers, and health care professionals or currently looking for alternative products that are SAFE TO SWALLOW yet healthy, effective, affordable, taste good, and PROVEN to be better than Fluoride to reduce tooth decay and improve oral health.  There is a product that meet all of these criteria. Dr Branams Xylitol toothpaste and gel are those products. A clinical study has results that verify the Dr Branams Xylitol products are 3 TIMES more effective than Fluoride in reducing oral bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.  
​
Using Dr Branams Xylitol toothpaste and gel at home DAILY is significantly (3 times) more beneficial and safer than using a Fluoride product.  In the last 30 years over 400 studies performed by the American Dental Association. During that time, tooth decay has continued to increase in children 6 years of age and younger.  It has become the #1 chronic childhood disease in America and is getting more severe.  The only way to reverse this disease is through PREVENTION, because treatment is the disease has failed. Tooth decay is a DISEASE of the FAMILY; so the entire family benefits from Xylitol usage.  

The GOOD NEWS is that we recommend and offer these healthy, safe, and effective products to our own patients. You will love the results and can see them for yourself.  


Yours for better oral health,  
Dr Steve Branam 

Giving your child a positive first experience in the dental office is so important and a responsibility.  Parents are a key part of this introduction to dentistry.  Parents guide virtually all life experiences, ESPECIALLY before 5 years of age.  Infants,  toddlers,  and young children feel and see your unspoken emotions and anxieties.  ​

Tell and show them that "going to the dentist"  is easy and may be an experience to "look forward to."  Share your own positive experiences in the dental office.  If you have had unpleasant experiences, keep them to yourself for your child's sake. There is NO BENEFIT to your child if you share them.  Most unpleasant dental experiences occur when the patient needs extensive and complicated treatment.  Therefore, the best way to avoid bad dental experiences is to take your child to a PEDIATRIC DENTIST before tooth decay.

Schedule your child's first dental appointment on their first birthday or no later than 18 months of age.  Infants and toddlers are easy to control,  the time in the dental chair is short, toothbrushing or polishing is very quick, and they usually get a "prize" at the end. Tell your child this is what usually happens.  Remember that this is all about helping your child, not sharing the possible negative dental experiences you or your family may have experienced. You are your child's primary role model, and they will follow your advice and direction.  Positive comments set the stage for a positive experience.

I will share this valuable advice.  My experiences and social research indicate that the most difficult time to introduce your child to a dental office is 3 years of age.  These toddlers are going through a dependent stage in their lives and are very "worldly."  They have heard negative conversations, intentional or unintentional, about negative dental experiences from relatives,  siblings, or parents.   

In summary,  1) start brushing your child's teeth when the first tooth enters the mouth.  2) Brush your teeth and your child's teeth before going to bed with Dr Branams Xylitol toothpaste and gel, 3) minimize baby bottle and sippy cup usage, 4) take your child to a PEDIATRIC DENTIST on their FIRST BIRTHDAY. 
 
To Better Oral Health,
 
Dr. Steve Branam

Silver Diamine Fluoride is a treatment medication to slow down the progression of tooth decay and reduce the sensitivity of decayed teeth.  It is frequently recommended for young children who have difficulty tolerating and accepting routine dental treatment that requires local anesthetic (shots and needles) to perform the procedure.  It is safe, effective,  and non invasive.   It has actually been used for many years in areas of the world where there is limited access to dental care.

With the rapid increase in tooth decay in very young  children in America recently,  it's usage has returned as a method to avoid and delay complicated dental treatment.  It is also of recommended for use in patients with Autism, Down's Syndrome,  and other special needs.   

It is primarily used for posterior teeth (in the back of the month) , since it does stain the tooth to a black color.   This straining is acceptable to most patients.   It also has a "bitter " taste which is unpleasant but not harmful to the patient.   SDF is most effective when the patient is willing to IMPROVE their oral hygiene habits at home and DECREASE the amount of sugar that they consume.  In young children the tooth may eventually need to be be restored with a crown or filling when the child is old enough to cooperate for routine fillings in the dental office. 

Ultimately,  the best results are achieved when the child and parent change their previous behavior and improve their diet and oral hygiene habits at home DAILY.   

I hope that this truthful and accurate information is helpful to you and your family.   

Yours for better oral health,   
Dr Steve Branam. 

Lip tie and tongue-tie are a more common diagnosis than health care professionals think. There are approximately 184,000 infants born per year with this condition in the United States.   There are over 1.1 million children 6 years of age or younger who have or have had a lip-tie or tongue tie. 

I personally examine at least 2 to 3 children per week in my office with this condition.  It is very important to understand that both of these conditions affect breastfeeding and bottle feeding in infants and toddlers.  Surgical correction of each condition can be done in a dental office using local anesthetic by a properly trained and educated pediatric dentist.  Unfortunately,  pediatricians and family practice physicians are NOT trained to perform this procedure.   ENT physicians usually perform these lip and tongue-tie procedures under general anesthesia in  the operating room.   

Lactation consultants usually ENCOURAGE to mothers to continue breastfeeding but rarely recommend correction of the condition.   The most common symptoms of lip-tie and tongue-tie infants are burping, gas, stomach aches,  lack of weight gain and frequent feeding.   Mothers will  have painful, cracked, and sore nipples.

Not every child that has a lip-tie or tongue tie needs to be corrected.   The extent of the symptoms determine the surgery necessity.   The mother's desire and need to breastfeed is also important.  Oftentimes, the infant will have difficulty sleeping through the night,  because they are hungry.   

Ultimately,  the parents will decide whether to correct the condition or not.  My experience is that most parents want the correction earlier rather than later.  The correction is done to improve feeding  and digestion, because the most severe outcome of no correction is ACID REFLUX.  This can continue we into adulthood.   

My advice is for parents to educate themselves regarding lip and tongue-tie.  Seek a  early examination by a pediatric dentist and get a second opinion, because only a small percentage of pediatric dentists perform maxillary and mandibular frenectomies routinely.   I personally perform these procedures 70 to 100 times a year.  

I hope that this TRUTHFUL information is helpful to you.   

Dr. Steve Branam 

Tooth decay is a DISEASE that virtually affects everyone.   It is important that you understand that tooth decay and gum disease cannot be eliminated,  but they can be minimized or controlled.  The level of both is primarily determined by the patient or person.  The dentist can help you,  but the oral and dietary habits you have AT HOME DAILY is the most critical factor.  What you do at home DAILY is more important than what the dentist does in the office twice a year at regular check-ups.  The dentist can help you, if you practice good oral and dietary habits routinely.   

The dentist has the obligation to give to the correct information and products to accomplish this goal.   The latest home care technology is the use of oral XYLITOL DAILY.   This recommendation is supported by scientific data over the last 20 years.   

Unfortunately,  the vast majority of dentists are not aware is this research.  The continue to recommend using Fluoride ALONE,  because that is recommendation they were taught in dental school many years ago.
Newer products like SILVER DIAMINE FLUORIDE (SDF) which can be applied in the dental office in a specific manner.  FLUORIDE VARNISH can be applied at home by the caregiver or parent wiht direction from the dentist or hygienist. Unfortunately, most dentists are NOT FAMILIAR  with these products, because they are new and have been clinically proven to be very effective in reducing tooth decay.  Your dentist should recommend either of them as an alternative to fillings.   

I hope that this truthful I formation is helpful to to and it will definitely save you money for extensive dental work.   

Yours for better oral health,   
Dr. Steve Branam 

Receiving dental treatment in a dental office is often very difficult and frankly frightening for many children and adults.  It is often more stressful for children and adults with Autism.  The goal is to minimize the need for extensive and complicated dental treatment for more patients,  especially those with special needs and AUTISM.   Minimizing the need for dental treatment is the most important goal because it is impossible to eliminate tooth decay and gum disease.  You can only try to CONTROL them.    
A visit to the dental office often creates anxiety and increases the sensory responses of people with Autism.   My understanding is that three things are very irritating to Autism patients.   1. Laying down on the back, 2.   Loud noises    3.  Bright lights.   These three things occur during a conventional dental visit when mainstream and untrained dental personnel attempt to provide treatment for special needs and AUTISM patients.   

In our office,  we raise the back of the dental chair at 45 degrees,  use only the dental light when necessary,  and use the polishing cleaning handpiece when necessary.  This will minimize the activation of the sensory responses.   The focus is on the clinical exam and the oral hygiene and diet practices at home.   As a dentist,  I see my patients twice a year; the parent or caregiver sees them daily.   

Early evaluation and regular dental checkups are required to get the best immediate and LONG TERM results for extended good oral health.   The majority of patients with AUTISM will become adults with long-term oral and general health care requirements.   The absolute best ingredient in FUTURE toothpaste and gels is XYLITOL.  The only clinically tested toothpaste and gel formulated with XYLITOL are Dr Branam Xylitol products.  They are safe,  effective,  and meant to be ingested in the mouth.   The gel is specifically formulated for patients with oral sensory diagnosis.  I genuinely hope this truthful information benefits you and your family.  

Yours for better oral health,

DR STEVE BRANAM 

Using Fluoride ALONE has been scientifically proven to decrease tooth decay and improve oral health by 24%.  Using XYLITOL daily at home has been scientifically PROVEN to decrease tooth decay and improve oral health by 72%.  Fluoride is old technology and XYLITOL is the latest technology.   You should make THE BEST CHOICE for the health of your mouth.  

You should be using Dr Branams Xylitol toothpaste and gel at home daily if you have any of the following:

•Infant or toddlers 1 year of age or older 
•Children 6 years of age or younger 
•Children of any age with many cavities 
•A parent who has multiple cavities 
•Parents who see a dentist less than once a year or never see a dentist 
•Parents who do not brush at bedtime 
•Parents who put the  baby to bed with bottle of milk or juice or breast-feed In the middle of the night 
•Parents who take their children to a General dentist.....not a pediatric 
dentist 
•Families who have a history of high rates o tooth decay 
•Parents of children with special needs, autism, Down Syndrome,  Cerebral  Palsy,  or are Wheelchair bound 

I have been able to reduce the need for extensive and expensive dental treatment by 60 % in my own pediatric  dental practice over the last 12 years.  The answer is using Dr Branams Xylitol toothpaste and gel DAILY AT HOME.  Obviously,  my goal is to improve the oral health and lower tooth decay in the entire family.  The key is to have parents  use these products themselves and introduce them to their infants and other children. 

I truly hope that this truthful and accurate information is helpful and beneficial. 

FOR BETTER ORAL HEALTH FOR YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY.   

Dr Steve Branam